Citizen Scientists Track Algal Blooms

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a global problem.

HABs can pose a serious risk to human health.

Algae are natural components of marine and fresh water flora that perform many roles vital for the health of ecosystems. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are of special concern because of their potential impacts on drinking, fishing, and recreational waters.

General aviation (GA) pilots functioning as citizen scientists can help develop an early warning system to alert communities of ensuing algal bloom along the coastline.

Private GA Pilots

There are 600,000 private pilots in the U.S. and over 200,000 general aviation (GA) aircraft. A fraction of this untapped resource can be used to study water quality scientific issues in aquatic systems.

Citizen Science

Scientific research conducted, in whole or in part, by amateur or nonprofessional scientists. This may include crowd-sourced science, community engaged science, or networked science.